BU-ITI Student Selected for Impact Leadership Program 2025: Change Yourself to Change the World
Congratulations to Papatsiri Apipaibool (Yok), a senior from the Computer Science program at the School of Information Technology and Innovation, for being selected from youth nationwide to join the Impact Leadership Program 2025. This future leader development program is designed to help participants design their own unique path to leadership in society and the world, with skill development from experts throughout the program.
Program Genesis
"Yok joined the School of Leadership program after seeing the application announcement on Facebook. I was very excited because I've always loved doing social projects, whether helping communities or participating in various hands-on activities. When I saw this was the first cohort and offered opportunities to work with foundations, government, and private sectors, I didn't hesitate to apply immediately. I felt this was the perfect opportunity to develop my leadership skills and do what I love wholeheartedly."
Getting to Know the School of Leadership Program
"School of Leadership isn't just about theory—it lets us actually do things. The program focuses on developing leadership skills in multiple dimensions: analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in various situations. Everyone gets to work on projects with different organizations like the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, Tang Ton Dee, Generation Thailand, Inskru, or Bangkok Metropolitan Administration units. Each project relates to important social issues like education, environment, or helping vulnerable groups. There are also mentors providing guidance on both life and career paths, making me feel supported and encouraged to push beyond my limits."
Good Leaders Must Learn by Doing
"Yok believes that good leadership doesn't come from just classroom learning or reading books, but from hands-on experience, encountering real situations, learning from diverse people, and trial and error. I want to challenge myself, develop new skills, and discover what changes I can create in society. This program seems to be a space that opens opportunities for growth, learning from experienced mentors, and building networks with like-minded peers. It's truly an opportunity I didn't want to miss."
Complete Multifunctional Skills
"Throughout the program, I learned tremendously—leadership skills, communicating with diverse groups, and managing real project challenges. I participated in methodology research on biodiversity credit with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, learning professional thinking processes and work methods. I practiced presenting ideas and receiving feedback from both mentors and team members, which helped me better understand and appreciate diversity. Every hands-on activity felt like awakening the power within myself to dare to dream and act for society."
A Space for Self-Discovery
"This program is more than internship or activities—it's a space that helped me discover myself and realize I have more potential than I thought. I learned to manage stress and challenges when juggling multiple tasks, practiced systematic thinking, and gained courage to face problems. The program also gave me opportunities to meet talented people with similar dreams and get inspiration from mentors and peers. One thing that deeply impressed me was seeing the seniors who help drive the community and organize this program. Despite having full-time jobs, they still dedicate time to create impactful social projects continuously. I see their sustained passion and energy for driving society as major inspiration, making me believe that if we're truly committed and love what we do, we can create social change regardless of our role."
Outstanding Creative Works
Yok created notable works in three areas:
1. Social Development Work: Participated in the Safe Space project with YWCA, focusing on promoting women's mental health by creating safe spaces where everyone can express themselves freely without fear or judgment. The project included workshops that gave participants opportunities to learn and experience healing processes through activities that build understanding of emotions and stress management in daily life.
2. Presenting Bangkok's Education Project at UN Meeting: One of Yok's proudest experiences was representing the presentation of Bangkok's education project at a UN meeting. This opportunity allowed practice in presentation skills and idea exchange with people from multiple countries.
3. Appointed as Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador: Yok became a student representative helping promote technology learning at the university and applying technology to solve social problems. This experience taught courage to step out of comfort zones and continuously learn new things.
"All three works are like puzzle pieces completing my identity and driving me to boldly enter the School of Leadership program. I believe these experiences not only helped me get selected for the program but also inspire me to continue creating positive social change."
To Beloved Juniors
"If juniors have the opportunity, I encourage you to apply and open your hearts to new experiences. This program gives more than you think—life skills, new perspectives, and opportunities to create work that truly impacts society. Don't be afraid if you're not yet skilled or lack prior experience, because this is where we learn and grow together. I believe everyone has potential in their own way. Just dare to step out of your comfort zone and actually do it—you'll discover you have more power than you think."
Photo credit: SOL: School of Leadership
